I’ve just about got back into shape after Christmas and now I’ve got to deal with all of the temptations of Easter.

For weeks, supermarkets have been tempting us with their Easter aisles filled with chocolates, sweets and hot cross buns. They are so clever with their marketing and positioning that it almost feels like they are being forces upon us.

But, you don’t have to give in. Easter can be a heathy time of year, without sacrificing fun.

As a personal trainer and lover of health, I have several fitness tips for a healthy Easter:

Quick workouts

Easter can be a busy time; entertaining the kids, preparing meals and visiting family. It may seem as though you don’t have time for exercise. But, if you keep your workouts intense you can get it done in 10-15 minutes. Try my Pyramid Workout in the Workout section of this page.

Make Healthy Eating Choices

If you remain diligent about eating healthy as the days lead up to Easter, you’ll be able to indulge a little bit on the big day.

Nobody wants to turn down a lamb dinner and a chocolate egg, so if you make healthy choices until Easter arrives, you should be able to eat a little more indulgently without ruining all of your goals.

Get Outside

The arrival of Easter means spring has sprung and now is the time to get outside. Even if you’re not going out for a ten-mile run, there are lots of opportunities to get moving outdoors, which will help you burn calories and get fit. Try a walk in the park with the dog, play Frisbee with the kids, walk to the shop instead of driving. You’ll be moving more and enjoying the spring fresh air too.

A race is a great motivator because you have to be ready for it. That means you have to put in the time and effort necessary to train. Not only will that help you tone up and slim down for Easter, but you’ll have something fun to look forward to as well. These events are coming up in the Sunderland area:

Sunderland City 10k – Sunday , May 7

Sunderland Half Marathon – Sunday, May 7

Sunderland Big 3K Run – Sunday, May 7

Pier to Pier Run – Sunday, May 14

Sunderland Big Ride – Sunday, June 11

Use Moderation

I am not going to say you should not eat a single piece of chocolate on Easter because this rule is unrealistic. Get real with yourself and set limits. Several pieces of chocolate will not break the scales, but a whole box of chocolates can break your healthy eating plan. So, focus in life in moderation.

Choose Your Drinks Carefully

This is a rule that you should follow every day, not just as we get closer to Easter. Drinks can really ruin your healthy fitness goals because many of them are loaded with sugar and calories.

Choose water (with a little bit of cordial if you have to), instead of fizzy drinks, energy drinks and fruit juices which can have heaps of sugar and hundreds of calories in them.

GET IN TOUCH

Your Trainer: Graham Low, owner of East Coast Fitness, is an award-winning personal trainer based in Seaham. The ex-professional footballer was nominated for the Small Business of the Year and Leisure Awards at the Sunderland Echo Portfolio Awards last year. Graham won the Leisure Award at the North East Hotels Association Awards while working as gym manager at Seaham Hall in 2012. For personal training, boot camps, small group training and online programmes email graham@eastcoast-fitness.com or visit www.eastcoast-fitness.com

Trending

The Sunderland player grades for the season so far after an impressive start to life in League One